8 | SIGHT FOR LIFE

Lasik after 40

Have you been putting LASIK corrective eye surgery off for years? Are you of the many who’ve waited for the optimal time or the latest technological developments to

commit? Now, with safer bladeless techniques and flexible payment plans, you may finally be ready to take the plunge. But wait… since your 40th birthday celebration (or your 50th) has come and gone, is there any truth

to the unsettling rumor that folks over 40 can’t have LASIK successfully done? Have you really missed the boat on LASIK? In short, no. If you’re a fabulous 40- or 50-something who needs glasses or contact lenses for near-sightedness, you can still enjoy sharp distance vision after LASIK. However, it’s important to have clear-sighted expectations on LASIK at this stage in life, starting with awareness of presbyopia.

Laser corrective surgery advancements offer exciting new possibilities for clear vision over age 40. by Marissa Candela

YOUTHFULVISION

SIGHT FOR LIFE | 9

LASIK AFTER 40

Presbyopia ProblemThe rumor that LASIK after 40 is taboo stems from presbyopia, an age-related condition that occurs in most people around age 45. With presbyopia’s onset, the lens starts to harden and muscles around the lens start to weaken, diminishing our ability to properly focus light on the retina – leading to blurry close-up vision. Everyone experiences this loss of close-up focusing power as they age (hence the appearance of reading glasses in those over 40), but some will notice it more than others.

While presbyopia won’t interfere with LASIK surgery, it won’t be cured or prevented by LASIK, either. Board-Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Jeffrey Martin of North Shore Eye Care in Long Island, New York, further elaborated in a recent interview. “When I see a 40-something near-sighted potential LASIK patient, I tell them they’ll have wonderful distance vision, but then I inform them about presbyopia and explain that they’re eventually going to need reading glasses,” commented Martin. “� at doesn’t mean LASIK doesn’t work a� er 40 – it does. It simply means they’re not going to get both far and near vision like a 25-year-old. If this is made clear from the outset, patients will be very happy with the results.”

Monovision: Best of Both Worlds?For those over 40 who insist on correcting both near vision and far vision with LASIK surgery, monovision presents an intriguing and suitable option. Monovision is a LASIK procedure that takes the dominant eye and corrects it for distance and the non-dominant eye and corrects it for near vision. After an adjustment period, the brain then learns to adapt to which eye sees at what distance. Some patients love the results of this fascinating technique, but it can also cause decreased depth

CAN LASIK HELP WITH…

LASIK is a miraculous procedure, but it has its limits. LASIK has no effect on other eye conditions, such as the progression of cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma or any other eye disease to which a person may be predisposed. Those who suffer from poor night vision or glare issues will likely have the same struggles after LASIK.

WHO CAN’T HAVE LASIK? After a thorough evaluation most patients are eligible for the elective procedure, but there are exceptions. Regardless of age, you’ll probably be ineligible for LASIK if you have:

• Too thin or irregular cornea• Very high glasses prescription• Abnormally dry eyes• Certain eye diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts or AMD

perception and/or lack of visual sharpness. Since surgery is a permanent solution, most doctors advise patients to first try monovision contact lenses to see if they like it.

Is There a Cut-Off Age for LASIK? So 40+ is fine for LASIK, but at what age is the surgery no longer advisable? “Everyone is different, but if I had to take an age I would say around 60,” comments Martin. “Once someone starts to develop a significant amount of cataract in their

eye, we shift away from LASIK and move toward cataract removal surgery.” With cataracts, surgery can correct vision in a manner similar to LASIK,

but by replacing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens implant.

Now that we’ve dispelled the LASIK-after-40 rumors, you may finally be ready to take the leap. Go ahead: Ditch the contacts and distance glasses, and enjoy your crystal-clear vision. Just prepare, as all adults must, for reading glasses. When that time comes, you can always opt for chic, stylish frames to match your new youthful vision!

10 | SIGHT FOR LIFE

LASIK BY THE NUMBERS

150 Million

Americans wear glasses

38Million

wear contacts

16.3 Million

LASIK procedures have been performed

95.4% of patients surveyed

were satisfied with LASIK

There’s nothing about being 40 to 60 years old that makes you unfi t for LASIK. I perform just as much LASIK on people over 40 as I do under. - Dr. Jeffrey Martin

© Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2012. All rights reserved. ®™ Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A.

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16 I ENERGY TIMES • July/August 2010

nter summer, exit protec-tive clothing. As we shedour sweaters and ventureout into the sun, weexpose our skin and eyes

to summer’s deceptively harsh ele-ments—and our bodies to injury as weengage in sports, swimming and otheroutdoor activities. Thankfully, you canprepare for summer’s inevitable sun-burns, scrapes, insect bites and musclepulls by building an all-natural firstaid kit.

Pine ProtectionYour summer kit should include sun-screen, but remember that it’s not acure-all—even the best sunscreen onlyblocks some of the sun’s damagingrays. Nutritional supplements cansupport skin from the inside out tocomplement sunblock. “To preventsunburn, it is important to have opti-mal levels of calcium, magnesiumand vitamin D, as well as essentialfatty acids and antioxidants,” saysSharon Stills, ND of NaturopathicSolutions in Plainview, New York.One example of a protective antioxi-

dant is the French pine bark extractPycnogenol. The sun’s harmful raysunleash damaging molecules calledfree radicals; they also promoteinflammation that results in sunburn.Pycnogenol quenches free radicalsand modulates the body’s inflamma-tory response.In studies Pycnogenol has demon-

strated a capacity for increasing theskin’s sunburn resistance and reduc-ing skin redness after exposure toultraviolet light. In one investigation,Pycnogenol showed an ability to pro-tect mice against a form of skin cancer

known as squamous cell carcinoma(Toxicology and Industrial Health 5-6/09). Pycnogenol has also been foundto accelerate skin healing and reducescar formation, making it helpful forinjuries sustained during rough-and-tumble summer activities.If you do get a sunburn, Laurie

Steelsmith ND, LAc of SteelsmithNatural Health Center in Honolulusuggests using black tea to ease dis-comfort. “Make a few good strongcups of tea. Soak a towel in the tea andapply to the burned skin, or take abath in tea to help alleviate sting,”advises Steelsmith, author of NaturalChoices for Women’s Health (ThreeRivers). “After you no longer have‘heat’ emanating from your skin, applyaloe vera to help to heal and preventscarring.” You should also keep aloevera on hand near the barbecue, whereit can take the sting out of burns.

Internal SunglassesA hat and shades are mandatory sum-mertime protection. But few sun-glasses are able to block all of thesun’s damaging rays. Lutein , anantioxidant nutrient found in foodssuch as dark leafy vegetables, can helpby acting as “internal sunglasses.”Lutein (along with its chemical part-

ner zeaxanthin) has been found tosettle in the eye’s retina and act as afilter that absorbs damaging blue lightfrequencies from the sun. Lutein alsoneutralizes free radicals generated bythe sun’s deep-penetrating UVA rays.These actions are especially impor-

tant as the years go by because sun-induced free radical damage in theretina is linked to age-related maculardegeneration, a condition thataccounts for most cases of blindnessin Americans age 65 and older.Supplementation has been found to

m a k e o v e rMALADY

Natural First AidBe prepared for summertime’s bumps, bites and burns with these remedies.

E

increase lutein concentrations withinthe retina (Current Eye Research 4/10).In a similar manner, lutein helps

protect skin from the sun’s dam-ag ing rays . Resea r che r s havefound that supplemental luteinmig ra te s to the sk in , where i tdiminishes the effects of UV radia-tion, helps to counteract the sun’s“photoaging” effects, such as finelines and wrinkles, and increasesthe skin’s hydration and elasticity.MSM , an organic form of sulfurbest known for its pain-relievinge f f e c t s , a l so he lps keep sk insmooth and supple.

Easing the OuchFor cuts and scrapes, stock your sum-mer first-aid kit with tea tree oil,taken from a plant (Melaleuca alterni-folia) native to the east coast ofAustralia. This broad-spectrum anti-septic can be applied externally tocombat bacterial, viral and fungal

infections. Keep a small bottle handyin your sports bag or beach tote andyou’ll be well prepared for quick treat-ment of minor injuries as well as theathlete’s foot fungus that can lurk inpublic pools and locker rooms.Calendula ointment, taken from

the pot marigold (Calendula offici-nal is) , works to gently c leansewounds; it also helps to preventinfection and minimize scarring.CoQ10 (now avai lable in theform ubiquinol) is best known asan energy supplement but hasbeen found to speed wound healingas wel l (Archives of PharmacalResearch 6/09).Feeling bugged? If you are a magnet

for mosquitoes, you might be lackingin B vitamins . These pests arebelieved to go after people who areB-deficient, so be sure take your Bsdaily to keep bugs at bay. If you do getbit, either calamine lotion or witchhazel solution can ease the itching,

while supplemental quercetin canhelp fight an allergic reaction.For summer sports injuries such as

sprains and strains, reach for brome-lain . A compound derived frompineapple, bromelain is an effectiveanti-inflammatory enzyme thatdecreases pain and swelling. “As asupplement, take 750 milligramsthree times a day on an empty stom-ach,” Stills recommends. “Or, you canjuice the inner core of a pineapple.” AEpsom salt bath with lavenderessential oil, along with measureddoses of homeopathic arnica, willhelp melt away muscle strains andtension. In addition, magnesium andwhite willow bark have well-docu-mented muscle soothing properties.Don’t let the perils of the great out-

doors limit your fun in the sun thissummer. Get back to basics with nat-ural first aid options, and you’ll easilymanage common summertime healthissues.—Patrick Dougherty

July/August 2010 • ENERGY TIMES I 17

12 ENERGY TIMES | October 2007

omething just wasn’t rightwith Victoria. She kept gain-

ing weight, no matter what, andalways felt sluggish and cold. She

would moisturize her dry skin to noavail and was even losing hair—ahighly distressing development forsuch a young woman.

A depressed and draggy Victoriasaw her doctor. He said her blood-work was fine, prescribed an anti-depressant and gave the standarddiet-and-exercise lecture. She felt asif she was slowly losing control ofher health and with it, her mind.

Victoria’s real problem? A thyroidthat wasn’t doing its job.

Hormonal UnderachieverThe thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the baseof the neck. It is integral in makingthe hormones T3 and T4 that regu-late the body’s organ functions andmetabolism; when it malfunctionsthe result is called hypothyroidism, acondition that affects an estimated20 million people in the US.

The chief cause of a sputtering thy-roid is Hashimoto’s disease, in whichantibodies in the blood attack thethyroid. The body responds to theresulting lack of hormones by pro-ducing symptoms such as weightgain, fatigue, hair loss, low immunesystem function, depression and evenhigh cholesterol.

Hashimoto’s isn’t the only cause ofhypothyroidism. An underactive thy-roid can be present at birth, or it canbe caused by some medications andby treatment of hyper thyroidism—anoveractive thyroid. The environmentalso plays a role, according to Mark

Starr, MD, author of HypothyroidismType 2: The Epi demic (New Voice).“Toxins greatly contribute to thyroiddisease, interfering with essential thy-roid hormones and proper nutrientabsorption,” he notes.

As Victoria discovered, a sluggishthyroid isn’t always properly diag-nosed right away. “When patientscomplain of these symptoms to theirphysicians, non-thyroid related drugsare often prescribed—masking theroot of the problem and causinguntreated thyroid disease to worsen,”says Mark Hyman, MD, author of TheUltra Simple Diet (Pocket Books) andUltraMetabolism (Scribner).

Powering UpLocating a practitioner who will takethe time required to make a correctdiagnosis is crucial. “A comprehensivephysical examination is needed andshould include details about stress

level,” says Hyman. “Diet, lifestyle anda complete medical history must alsobe taken into account.” For example,he routinely asks his patients if theirdiet is rich in cold-water fish and ifthey’ve been exposed to heavy met-als. He also tests for sensitivity togluten—a protein in wheat and othergrains—which can affect the thyroid.So if your blood T3/T4 levels are nor-mal but you still suffer from symp-toms, seek out someone who willtreat you, not your lab results.

Another obstacle people withhypothyroid face is finding the treat-ment that works best. As TheodoreFried man, MD, co-author of TheEverything Guide to Thyroid Dis ease(Adams Media) puts it, “There is no‘one drug fits all’ prescription when itcomes to treating hypothyroidism.”While most conventional doctorswill prescribe synthetic hormones,alternative practitioners often use

m a k e o v e rMALADY

Low-Revving MotorWhen your thyroid isn’t working properly, life becomes a chore.

www.energyt imes .com | ENERGY TIMES 13

natural dessicated thyroid hormonereplacement. Another option is colloidaliodine, the mineral from which thebody creates thyroid hormones.Selection of the proper therapy willdepend on your unique circumstances;it’s a fine line to walk because overtreat-ment can cause such adverse effects asnervousness and heart palpitations.

Your practitioner can also help youdevise a thyroid-friendly supplementa-tion plan. “Herbs rich in iodine, includ-ing dulse (red algae), nori (seaweed),kelp and other sea vegetables can boostthyroid function,” says Mary Hardy, MD,medical director of the Cedars-SinaiMedical Center program in IntegrativeMedicine. Homeopathic remediesinclude spongia testa and thyroid 30c,

and adaptogens such as ginseng andrhodiola can help f ight stress . Justremember it’s important to keep a care-ful eye on dosages.

“Adequate zinc is also necessary forproper thyroid function,” says Hardy; hefavors such zinc-rich foods as meat,seafood, and pumpkin and sesameseeds. Many people don’t get enoughselenium, which helps convert the lessactive T4 into active T3. Sources includeBrazil nuts, lamb, garlic and onions, andfish such as halibut, tuna, salmon andsnapper. (Both zinc and selenium areavailable in supplemental form.) Don’tforget vitamin D, which also helps sup-port thyroid function. In addition togetting the proper nutrients, daily exer-cise can help improve energy, stimulatemetabolism and lift mood.

Feeling draggy? Rev up your thyroidand watch your health soar.

—Marissa Candela

A sluggish thyroid is not

always found right away,

leading to unnecessary

drug treatment—while

the underlying

disease worsens.

The tried and true workout favorites that dominate gym class schedules like spinning, Yoga, Zumba orPilates, have been keeping our bodies and minds in top form. But even these great fitness programscan grow stale, affecting motivation. Plus, choosing between the benefits of cardio-focused sweat ses-sions such as Spinning and Zumba or more chill Yoga or Pilates can be daunting. Now, you no longerhave to decide between an energy surge or a Zen fix – you can have both…and then some.

Fuse the benefits of strength, cardio and mental well-being into one comprehensive workout with a fit-ness class. Whether these fitness blends are trickling over from around the world or the West coast intoNew York, they’re steadily gaining popularity and making fitness multi-tasking a snap. So, why notshake up your fitness routine with some cool twists on some old favorites?

A New Spin on SpinTime is precious, and this workout is said to incorporate three key goals – cardio,muscle building and destressing – into one class. Although Yoga and Spinningmay seem odd at first, this curious hybrid is slowly building a buzz.

Whether it’s called Cycle-Yoga, Yoga Spin or Spin Yoga, the premise behind the workout is that the twoworkouts incorporate the best of both worlds, delivering the benefits of spin, a high energy, calorieblasting, cardio-based bike class, and the ancient practice of Yoga, which stretches and strengthensmuscles and improves balance while you unwind. Spin is said to fill the void in Yoga, and vice versa.

Linking both mind and body, participants are guided through a 60-90 minute class that, depending oninstructor and location, begins off the bike with a series of yoga postures performed on mats withfootwear (quite unlike traditional Yoga). Preparatory poses gradually progress to more active yoga movesthat get you warmed up for the bike and strengthen and stretch the upper body, an area that tends toget short changed in pedaling-based spin. After an intense ride lessens in intensity, the class culmi-nates off the bike with some more Yoga, this time sans footwear.

Verbal cues and changes in workout intensity that focuses on different parts of the body are said to stallworkout boredom and keep injury at bay. Reap the benefits of both cycling and Yoga and keep youreyes peeled for a class near you.

Zumba-rifficZumba is a dynamic, cardio-rich dance fitness class that fuses Latin,international and trendy moves combined with pop and traditionalmusic of varying tempo. This cardio-based workout can torch upto 1,000 calories in one session, but most participants have to do aseparate weight training workout in order to tone major muscle groups.

fitness

72 winter 2010 woodbury

by marissa candela

More Zumba Hybrids

For those with access to an indoor

pool in winter months, Aqua Zumba

is an all ages, all-levels, “pool party”

workout. Fun, challenging, water-

based exercises integrate the

Zumba formula and philosophy into

traditional aqua fitness disciplines.

There is less stress on the joints

and bones, so it is ideal for those

who are deconditioned, arthritic,

or recovering from injury. Special

aqua fitness shoes provide

cushioning and support.

Did you know? Seniors can also

enjoy the party with a lighter, less

intense version of Zumba called

Zumba Gold.

Get your kids active and away

from the TV with Zumbatomic,

especially designed for ages 4-12.

familiar fitness with a twistcreative fusions breathe new l i fe into workout s taples

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74 winter 2010 woodbury

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But no longer. Slowly building momentum since 2008, Zumba Toning,which focuses more on muscle training, is taking the class to the next levelby working in a toning element to build strength and burn more calories.Said to be a more comprehensive workout, Zumba Toning features themissing element to a traditional Zumba class by adding lightweight, sand-filled toning sticks that are similar to fun, noise making maracas.Muscle building exercises are incorporated into fun dance routines.

This class preserves the party atmosphere of original Zumba, but is enhanced with a strength training element that leads to more definition and calorie burning. A well-versed instructor will teach you to blend bodysculpting techniques and specific Zumba moves to help build coordinationand endurance. Even more enticing, no previous dance or Zumba class experience is necessary!

Yoga What?If you’re torn between the unique benefits of Yoga and Pilates, a curious hybrid called Yogalates, invented by Aussie Louise Solomon,claims to give you the best of both techniques.Low impact and simple, it combines the flexibility,

strength and ambiance of Yoga along with the strength, stability and coredevelopment of Pilates, an important element that can be neglected in traditional Yoga classes. By combining the two disciplines, the chance ofinjury is said to be lessened as core stability is increased, as some Yogaenthusiasts lack the foundation to move through the various postures. It isparticularly good for bad back pain and postnatal (not pregnant) womenbecause it builds strength through the torso.

All that is needed is a floor mat to protect the spine, another smaller towel to place under the head, and aThera-Band to replicate the resistance of the Pilates exer-cise machines which can be purchased from a sportinggoods store or physiotherapist.

Be a Yogalates pioneer! For now, Yogalates classes are predominantly offered in Europe and Asia, but home-based workout products can be purchased online at yogalates.com.au.

PiloxingIf you only have a precious thirty minutesand are undecided as to do cardio orweights, why not give Piloxing a try? This fresh, California-based trend blendsthe power and agility of boxing and

the sculpting and flexibility of Pilates intertwined with fun dance moves. Said to be a challenging core-centric interval workout, Piloxing has been gaining a fierce celebrity following since it touts fat burning, muscle sculpting benefits.

In addition to Pilates and boxing movements, the exercise incorporates the use of weighted gloves which add to the workout by toning the armsand maximizing cardiovascular health. The brainchild of Swedish dancerand trainer Viveca Jensen, Piloxing’s principle is to enhance femininepower while aiming to achieve a sleek, sexy form. For Piloxing fitness gear, please visit www.piloxing.com.

Although some of the names of these fitness fusions may soundhokey, their principles do make sense. Any workout that allows you to simultaneously enjoy a surge of energy, muscle building benefits and a Zen fix are worth exploration. So if you’ve been feeling ho-hum about your exercise routines, keep your eyes peeled for these new spins on fitness at your local gym, or better yet put in a request for a class. These workout multi-taskers may just breathe new life into your tried and true fitness favorites. |

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fitness

A ballerina’s body, with its long, lean muscles, is most envi-able. There’s no question, the strong, yet feminine physique of a dancer issomething almost every woman would like to attain. And according to thelatest trend in fitness – The Bar Method – you don’t have to train for yearsor invest in a tutu to pull off this lovely look.

The Bar Method is based on the technique of German dancer Lotte Berk.After a back injury, she had the idea of combining ballet bar routines withrehabilitative therapy to form a unique exercise system known today as theLotte Berk Method. Lydia Bach brought it to the U.S. and further refinedthe method to make it a single, all encompassing exercise for womenwith the end goal of developing a dancer’s body.

Years later, journalist Burr Leonard entered the picture. She quickly fell inlove with the technique, left her profession and spent a year studying andeventually teaching The Lotte Berk Method. Soon after, she noticed thatsome of her clients’ knees, backs and shoulders were not responding wellto the exercises.

To solve this issue, she sought the help of a physical therapist. Under hisguidance, she gradually reworked and updated the sculpting exercises andthe system as a whole, so that they would target students’ muscles withoutjoint impact. Once mastered, Burr left Lotte Berk which soon disbanded(2005) and introduced her own program named The Bar Method in 2001.Today, there are 25 studio locations open around the country.

72 winter 2009 woodbury

by marissa candela

Transform Your BodySo what is the bar method exactly? In a recent, very full class at The BarMethod studio in Port Washington, the first of its kind on Long Island andone of 25 franchises in the United States to-date, I found out. As luckwould have it, founder Burr Leonard was teaching just for that day, so theenergy was high. The studio was basic; comfortable with carpeted floors,mirrors and ballet bars that flank the class. Socks are worn, along with longpants to allow freedom of movement. After settling in, we began with a seriesof simple leg raises to warm the muscles. The music was comfortablyaudible and its tempo matched our pace. We then worked the upper bodywith free weights, push-ups and stretches using the bar, but all movementswere very concentrated, controlled isolations to ignite a deep muscle burn.This was soothed by ample stretches right after each exercise. Soon into theclass I broke out into a sweat, as did my classmates – this was no easy workout.

Next came challenging exercises for the lower body, most of them per-formed in various standing positions while grasping the bar. As the classprogressed, Burr encouraged the class to dig deeper and push themselvesto maximize effect, manually adjusting students’ positions along the way.After she caught my cheating posture and corrected my hip positioningduring a leg exercise, I immediately felt a more intense pull in my quads.

The workout continued with floor exercises for the abdominals and gluteson comfortable mats and concluded with a relaxing series of back and legstretches with bands to maximize effect. At the class’s culmination mymuscles were shaking, a common effect for newbies.

former Lotte Berk guru goes for gold with The Bar Method

woodbury winter 2009 73

In speaking with Burr following the class she said, “The Bar Method is quite differentfrom working out at a traditional gym, where basically ‘pump and hold’ until themuscle fatigues is the norm. Instead, it offers isometric reps within a structuredroutine that enables you to go deeper. It recharges the muscles and stabilizes thejoints, making them firm and balanced.”

And because it was designed from rehabilitative exercises, clients with knee injuriesand even hip replacements can also try this non-impact, challenging workout. Accord-ing to Burr, those with wrist injuries can modify the exercises to avoid further injury.

Followers of the program also claim self awareness is heightened, remarking thatas you go through the moves you feel your body more deeply. Personally, I can at-test that the next day soreness of unfamiliar muscles affirmed that the workoutdoes go deep, at least on a physical level.

Mollie Mulholland and Michelle Avena Rowe, co-owners of the Long Island fran-chise, are believers and banking on this workout as a fitness movement; not atrend people will bore of. “Although the sequence of the class is the same, varia-tions allow it to remain fresh and interesting. Plus, you can always drive yourselffurther in class,” said Mulholland.

Risa Waltos from Manhasset, who has been taking Bar Method classes three tofour times per week for the past five months, agrees. “It has toned, lengthenedand defined my muscles. After just two weeks, I began to see a difference. Youbegin to push yourself when you get the moves down, which only takes about threeor so classes. I loved that as I went along my ‘inner ballerina’ began to emerge.”

And although cardio enthusiasts may be concerned, students who measuredcalorie burn during class shed between 250-800 calories in a one hour session(also keep in mind that rigorous cardio can also spark your appetite, killing theresults of a workout faster than you can get into first position). This high calorieburn can result in significant weight loss.

So if you’re wondering if The Bar Method is for you, why not take a trial class?While there, it’s hard not to notice the strong, lithe physiques of its avid followers,which may very well inspire you to discover your own inner ballerina! |For information visit www.barmethod.com or call the Port Washington location at 516.767.7560. FounderBurr Leonard will be back in the area this coming February. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a class with her!

Tired of the treadmill? Not afraid to break a nail while breaking a sweat? Then you may wantto explore Krav Maga, which in Hebrew translates to contact combat. Slowly trickling over from the WestCoast, this form of martial arts has evolved into a popular workout for A-list celebrities like AngelinaJolie and Brad Pitt, Jennifer Garner, Lucy Lui, Jennifer Lopez and Leonardo DiCaprio, just to name a few. The official self-defense system of the Israeli Defense Forces, Krav Maga training employs instinctivemovements, practical combat techniques and real-life scenarios. It is said to be an intense physical and mental workout that builds confidence and esteem while simultaneously shaping the body. And therules are; there are no rules. Basically, this down and dirty, no holds barred method uses any modeavailable for self preservation, which in this unpredictable world may come in handy…Darren Levine,the Chief Instructor of Krav Maga Worldwide based in California, a 6th degree black belt and is one ofthe highest-ranked instructors in the world, shared in a recent interview on the importance of KravMaga for women in particular.

“The main purpose of Krav Maga is self-defense and fitness, so training time is wisely spent on thesecore goals. To be able to defend yourself, you must be fit. The ante is raised when you’re a woman inyour 30’s to 50’s, fighting for your own safety or to protect a loved one.”

One anonymous Krav Maga student got fed up with “feeling mousy,” as her abusive ex-husband ha-rassed her long after their divorce (yes, physical abuse exists on the North Shore, too). She literally tookmatters into her own hands because restraining orders weren’t effective in making her feel secure.Through Krav Maga, she gained the confidence, awareness and the ferocity to defend herself if needed.

But is it as “badass” as it sounds? We found out for ourselves by attending a recent session at KombatMasters of Long Island (KMLI) in Syosset. An unassuming forum of white cinderblock, punching bags,pads and mats, eager Level 1 (beginner) students, a mixture of men and some women and children ofall denominations and ages, paired off and went through a series of self-defense exercises. The vibeand atmosphere were welcoming. Overhead hung a banner that boldly stated, “Refuse to be a victim.”

Enthusiastic instructor Dean Angel first guided pairs through a series of self-defense exercises, such as“choke from the front with a push,” which involved successfully escaping from a strangle hold through a series of fluid movements. The class then circled and took turns with “360 degree defenses,” whereeach was taught to fend off attackers from all angles. Encouraged to shout, each student took turnsbeing the attacker and the victim in the circle. No one flinched if someone fell to the ground, but camaraderie was evident as hands were extended to help them up.

Krav Maga employs hundreds of moves, but fewer than traditional martial arts, so adequate self-de-fense can be learned in a few months of training 2-3 times per week. “Left and right punches,” and“knees to the head and body” were also mastered as participants practiced the moves over and over intheir pairs, sweat and intensity evident on the faces of every student. Each wore loose fitting clothing

fitness

72 spring 2011 woodbury

by marissa candela

Get Fit and Fierce with Krav Maga

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Krav Maga in a NutshellImi Lichtenfeld, now deceased, is the creator of Krav Maga. Essentially, the Krav Maga self-defense fitness programemphasizes strength training to maxi-mize a student’s capacity to cause dam-age to an attacker, as well as to absorbpunishment, endurance so that practi-tioner’s can exert maximum physical effortduring a physical encounter, flexibility toprovide a greater range of motion, powerand speed, and explosiveness to producemaximum effort or strength in a shortamount of time. Devotees and A-Listcelebs have praised the program for itsbenefits, which is said to provide a truemeasure of safety, high level of fitnessand feeling of empowerment all while having fun and remaining free of injuries.

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for freedom of movement but curiously, no telltale belts were adorned even though they are awarded through advancement starting from Level 1 and up.

Siblings Dana and Jane Angel from Jericho started taking Krav Maga classes at KMLI in August of 2010, and havethus far been pleased with the results. Both intermittently commented, “It’s a very good self-defense workout thatbuilds confidence and makes you more assertive.”

They also touted that they’ve become leaner, stronger, more focused and have better overall reflexes, and have participated in KMLI’s Sunday women’s class taught by instructor Amy Morgenstern. Geared toward the fairer sex,the class teaches such things as rape defense, spotting danger signs, how to fend off attacks from behind, escaping from hair pulling, and more.

If you’re interested in starting a serious Krav Maga program, be aware that there are questionable, watered downhybrids of Krav Maga being offered in some locations on Long Island. Be sure to inquire as to whether your instruc-tor is fully trained and/or certified.

And as far being a booty-kicking (and shaping) workout, Michael Blitz, Chief Instructor at KMLI and Long Island’sonly Krav Maga black belt, commented, “There’s intense fitness in every class because we stress cardio forlongevity in fighting. The bursting moves provide torch calories, so if you stick with it, there’s no way you can’t lose weight and define your muscles.”

But it does seem pretty intense, so injury may be of concern to some. However, Blitz was adamant on this topic andstated, “Since the inception of KMLI in 2001, I’ve only had two isolated incidents that were cause for real concern.”

And if you’re looking for the formalities and philosophical peace and love ideals that often come with traditionalmartial arts programs, Krav Maga may not be for you.

Shihan John Busto, a 6th Degree Black Belt and founder of Busto's Martial Arts in Plainview commented, “KravMaga incorporates the basic movements of most martial art forms at a continuous repetition. Although, it can be a tough workout it does not offer the mental and spiritual benefits of a traditional martial arts program. I believethat a traditional program offers so much more, as it incorporates physical strength with skills to build self-esteemand develop discipline and focus.”

So why not channel your inner Xena while learning self-defense and getting fit? For a unique and stimulating work-out, try a Krav Maga class. Whether you’d like to prepare for unwanted encounters, stressful mornings, or evenextra demanding days with the kids, it just may give you that extra boost of confidence in every aspect of your life. Imi Lichtenfeld, the Grandmaster of Krav Maga would say, “The purpose of Krav Maga is so that one may walk in peace.” |

For more information about Krav Maga, visit www.kravmaga.com. For information about Krav Maga of Long Island, visit www.kmli.com.

Single gals, take note: The clientele at KMLI is 70% male. In addition to a few pro athletes and high caliber lawenforcement agents, a numberof doctors and surgeons alsoattend Krav Maga classes torelieve stress, get in shape and learn self-defense. As itgains popularity, female membership is sure to rise.